May is Mental Health Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to focus on not just one’s physical health but also one’s mental health. Rocky Mountain Hold Co. showed how breaking a sweat can make a big difference in mental well-being with its third annual Mileage for Mental Health Challenge.

From May 5-19, Planet Fitness^® members were able to log the cardio distance they ran that day with staff members. On behalf of the miles logged, Rocky Mountain Hold Co. made a donation to a local mental healthcare facility in their town. The challenge was a great way to encourage fitness and promote mental wellness.

“I loved the Miles for Mental Health Challenge because it helped us show support, awareness and acceptance toward those with mental health struggles and promoted cardio as a part of the solution. Bilateral movement is one way to create a mind-body connection and makes it easier to problem solve and process information that feels stuck. It’s a great way to combine mental and physical health as it should be,” said Ashliegh O’Brien, PF fitness trainer in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

This year between all five of its clubs, participants logged a total of 11,813.57 miles and the franchise group donated $9,488.67 toward mental health awareness. The fitness franchisee donated to multiple mental health facilities and organizations, including Solvista Health, First Responder Trauma Services, Healing Warriors Program and Health Solutions.

The members and staff involved loved being a part of the Mental Health Challenge. “Mileage for Mental Health month is my favorite month of the year here at Planet Fitness! Not only do we have the best chance to promote mental health here at the club, but all the proceeds go toward absolutely amazing causes! I am always very humbled to be a part of this program. The inclusiveness and hard work this program promotes is near and dear to my heart,” said Cheyenne Club General Manager Gary McCollister.